About
Dioon edule, the chestnut dioon, is a slow-growing, palm-like cycad producing a short, stout stem topped by a rosette of erect to arching, feather-like leaves reaching 1.5 m in length, composed of many narrow, spine-tipped leaflets. A remarkable and architectural plant for a frost-free garden or large heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Dioon are dioecious, palm-like cycads from Mexico and Central America with stout stems bearing a terminal rosette of large, leathery, pinnately divided leaves and large, woolly female cones or smaller, cylindrical male cones. Architectural and long-lived plants for frost-free gardens and heated glasshouses.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typePalms
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in indoors in a mix of equal parts fibrous loam, coarse bark and garden compost. Site in full sun with shade from hot sun. Water freely when in growth applying a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 24 to 32°C in spring in a very sandy potting compost
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free